Press Release- Stafford County Fire and Rescue
Because the East Coast earthquake that occurred in August could have damaged your chimney it’s more important than ever to have it inspected before you start a fire in the fireplace, woodstove or turn on your furnace this fall and winter. Chimney damage could be hard to see and it may have affected the lining of the chimney preventing proper ventilation of harmful gases. It’s important to understand that just looking at the outside of the chimney is not enough. It needs to be inspected by a professional inside and out and is not limited to masonry chimneys. Prefabricated metal chimneys should also be inspected. If cracks in the chimney lining or lose joints in metal chimney go undetected carbon monoxide will escape into the living area or burning embers could pass through, which could ignite combustible material and spark a house fire.
Some damage is obvious, and some is hidden:
Check to see if bricks have fallen or the chimney is leaning. Look for shiny areas on your metal chimney pipe. This means the chimney moved during the earthquake. Look for cracks at joints where the chimney connects to the firebox, at the roofline and in the attic. Check for debris that may have fallen into the fireplace. Use a screwdriver to check the mortar between the bricks or stones. If it crumbles when you pick at it, the chimney may be a hazard. Consult a licensed chimney sweep, engineer or contractor. For the name of an inspector, call your insurance or Mortgage Company.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas known as the silent killer. So carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors are essential and save lives. Make sure you install these in your home and inspect them regularly.
Consider purchasing combination smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. Install them in sleeping areas and on every level of your home. Install them away from air vents. Interconnected smoke alarms are best because if one sounds, they all sound. Test smoke alarms monthly. Change alkaline batteries at least once a year. Use a date you already know as a reminder, such as your birthday or when you change your clocks. Prepare and practice a fire escape route with everyone in your home, including children.
For more information go to www.usfa.dhs.gov/smokealarms
